Settlers Park Nature Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South

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Settlers Park Nature Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 3 hours

Settlers Park Nature Reserve in Gqeberha stretches across approximately 54 hectares along the banks of the Baakens River, preserving a rare pocket of indigenous forest, fynbos, wetlands and riverine habitats in the heart of the city. Rooted in a deep cultural history, the reserve occupies land that was once used by Khoisan communities for reed harvesting before the arrival of 1820 British settlers, and was officially protected in 1952 to conserve the river catchment. Today, it serves as a vital urban ecosystem and "green lung" for both locals and travelers alike. With over 200 recorded bird species—ranging from Knysna and Olive Woodpeckers to Peregrine Falcons and brightly coloured sunbirds—the reserve is a key stop for birdwatchers. Visitors can explore the winding Guinea Fowl Trail, a roughly 7.5 km route that runs through secluded valleys, past rock pools and diverse flora such as orchids, aloes and riverine reeds. Other wildlife sightings include small antelope, tortoises, dassies (rock rabbits), mongooses and peacocks, spotlighting the park's role in conserving both biodiversity and natural heritage within an urban setting.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

Attractions in Gqeberha

Donkin Reserve

3.2

Kragga Kamma Game Park

4.2

AutoPavilion

4.8

South African Air Force Museum

4.8

South End Museum

4.6

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

4.6

St. George's Park

4.4

Route 67

Reviews of Settlers Park Nature Reserve

Olwam Mnqwazi

2
Reviewed: 2025-03-20

Not properly maintained. Go in groups of three or more. I was uneasy the whole time but I had a person who knows the park with.
Jean Ruschenbaum

1
Reviewed: 2024-10-28

The last time my family and I visited this park was in December 2022 for a picnic. We walked through the park still enjoying the beauty of nature but were thoroughly saddened by the complete lack of maintenance. Alien trees have been removed but nothing had been planted to replace them. There used to be a nursery that provided plants for the reserve. That clearly no longer is happening. We found the exhibit building in the main entrance area which used to display specimens of flora from the park has becone a drug den with used needles scattered on the floor. After our walk we decided to picnic near the parking lot. Let's just say that strange things were happening as vehicles came and went. Not to mention the shenanigans behind the 'drug den building'. The security was questionable and didn't make the park safer. In fact I think that they were party to the goings on there. We decided never to return and waved a sad goodbye to a place that we had spent most of our lives visiting. Our Municipality should be ashamed of themselves for neglecting this beautiful asset and treasure to our city.
Rochelle Shepherd

3
Reviewed: 2024-10-03

This trail walk 🚶‍♀️ would be awesome and certainly appreciated more if the city dedicated themselves to preserving nature's environment. Vagrants use the reserve for "camping," and the river for "bathroom needs," and this is a huge disappointment 😞 the park needs some TLC with regard to how it is being maintained. No ablution facilities anymore 😢 Walking in a large group is definitely recommended for safety reasons as this is a "free-for-all" reserve!
Nikki De Zeeuw

5
Reviewed: 2021-11-06

Really beautiful. Valley of desolation is breath taking. Loads of animals to see.
Norman John Visser

5
Reviewed: 2021-05-23

Super outdoor spot for anyone who enjoys walking, running, biking. The trails are clear but do go in groups, try not to venture out alone. Lots of birdlife and lush green vegetation. Park needs a whole lot of work to get back to its former glory, but still a very nice place to visit.